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The Stationzer0 Independent - August 31, 2008

Sunday, August 31, 2008 Volume 1, Issue 11
masthead
Station InhabitantsWhile working our way through the LOST hiatus, members often find clever and unusual ways to amuse themselves.  Many of these "ways" result in some very amusing games and activities in the Off-Topic threads.  Check out the Ctrl-V Game... pure silliness.  Also, the Photo Caption thread can prove to be a source of major hilarity.  Among the latest and perhaps oddest is Picture Fun with John Locke.  Regardless of your entertainment needs, Stationzer0 users can usually come up with something to make your summer pass by just a little quicker.
Games
Events in the LOST Alternate Reality Game (ARG) have seemed to "stabilize" a bit during the past couple of weeks.  This week, our friends at Dharma at having us take a test titled Broach Spectrum Knowledge Analysis.  Take special note of the underlined "i" character.  As usual, the crack team of Stationzer0 crackers have revealed messages in the source code as well as an unusual, but apparently intended, "aid" for users willing to take this, Test 2, of the Octagon Global Recruiting ARG.

DWY Test 2THREE $100 CUSTOMIZABLE PRIZE PACKAGES filled with really cool Stationzer0 swag shall be awarded to three hard-working, insightful and talented Stationzer0 users upon completion of the game.  There is little indication from Dharma as to how or when this game may end, but experienced players suggest a completion date shortly before the premiere of season 5 in early 2009.

Off-Topic User Post of the Week
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Lo$ttoThis week, we feature a post from long-time contributor and Stationzer0 legend Lo$tto while posting in the Photo Caption thread.



The Latest on Lost
Blade and Jim's Spoiler Thread: SEASON FIVE is a non-stop flow of the latest information in regard to "leaks" coming from the set in Hawaii as well as other unnamed sources.

This week, we learn some startling and controversial information in regard to one of our favorite past characters that we love to hate. Check out this spoiler as well as a handful of other captivating spoilers in the LOST Spoilers area.

Lost Theory of the Week
Inspired by a recent rewatch of a season 1 episode, new member lockefan posted a theory of reincarnation. This theory is posted just below this newsletter. Scroll on down to read it.

Editors Notes
Here in the United States of America, our Presidential election is just around the corner.  It doesn't surprise me that the Stationzer0 members are generally well-informed, strongly opinionated and excited about the coming months and the eventual electing of our new Commander in Chief.  I am.

I am also, however, respectful of EVERYONE'S views and beliefs and am happily private about mine—for the most part.  Most of you can probably guess—if I haven't flat-out told you—that I'm a democrat and an Obama supporter.  It doesn't matter why... it just matters that in a country that is known as the hub of liberty around the world... I'm free to vote and free to choose.

Hooray for America!
Will

I support Ron Paul for his views on net neutrality.... You can decide for yourself just how serious you think I am.

On a different note, it's school time for the young folks. I started this week, some start this week, and others never even stopped for the summer. Are you ready? Because you know what school beginning means... new fall TV! Check in at the Bacon Donut for your fall premiere schedule. Some of your favorite shows (other than Lost), like Prison Break, may be starting this week. You don't want to get left behind.
jimpbblmk





Posted by jimpbblmk on 31 Aug 2008 at 00:00 | Newsletter


Theory: Reincarnation in "Do No Harm"

Here is a theory posted recently by our member lockefan.

I rewatched this episode [1.20: Do No Harm] a while ago and I remembered the first time that I watched it (around two/three years ago). When I watched it, I was struck by the juxtaposition of the death and birth scenes. I know that death is one of the major themes in the show, but why couldn't they have had the death and the birth in different episodes? I know I know the circle of life and yadda yadda but....

This is probably one of the most intense episodes in Season 1, in a way. I remember squirming the first time I saw it that there was so much craziness happening.






Posted by jimpbblmk on 26 Aug 2008 at 12:56 | Lost Theories


The Stationzer0 Independent - August 24, 2008

Sunday, August 24, 2008 Volume 1, Issue 10
masthead
Station InhabitantsStationzer0's family is growing!  New membership is way up... thanks to several awesome factors.  Although there have been one or two robots that have tried to infiltrate our ranks, the flood of new registered users has been welcome and wonderful.  The Introductions forum is a great place to let everyone know who you are—we'll let you know who WE are, too.  Here's a list of the new dudes that have joined the Stationzer0 team since the middle of July....

ljt_lost, an other, dotto, Apopheniac79, lockefan, DonutWheel, izikavazo, RockGod, chkympgi, NatDK, nandhini, jahilia, lost1010, MerryPace, ostia2006, clueless1der, Jumbuck313, Monday Lad, Rax, and leparisien.

Welcome, friends!
Games
Battle for the Island VII is over.  The bodies have been piled high and torched, all the banut juice has been swilled down and the sand crabs have resumed their rightful place in the food chain.  All four of the moderators were Stationzer0 regulars... great minds and great pals.  Once again, please give a big-time round of applause to AVREY97 as the Island Queen, Kolic as the Island Avenger, Bladerunna as the Island Prince and The Mad as the Mad Narrator!

DWY TangramThe Octagon Global Recruiting ARG (Alternate Reality Game) saw some activity this week.  The folks at the Dharma Initiative have released the first in a supposed series of tests towards finding suitable recruits.

The crack team of Stationzer0-ers wasted little time in achieving perfect or near-perfect results, as an interesting "hack" was uncovered within just hours of the launch of the testing.  Whether this "cheat" is a deliberate insertion into the Dharma test or not is a topic of minor debate.  Special thanks and appreciation goes out to Pumbaa7287 and technoprep for not only uncovering this "feature," but sharing it with their friends at Stationzer0.  Check out, catch up and grab on to all the ARG action in the Dharmawantsyou.com thread.
Off-Topic User Post of the Week
Stationzer0 is filled with the wise and the witty, and many, many times each week, our users post interesting, insightful, and hilarious rants and raves in one of our many Off-Topic threads.  This week, we feature a post from long-time contributor trace.

trace"Our preggo bonding just came to a screeching halt, my noogs. gross. olives are almost as bad as anise...now, if you were to talk about dr. pepper...i LIKE dr. pepper. i think i'm going to name my daughter dr. pepper. i like will and wicked keeping things entertaining around here too."

The Latest on Lost
Blade and Jim's Spoiler Thread: SEASON FIVE is filled to the brim and spilling on the floor with what seems like endless spoiler info—as well as the latest non-spoiler info being leaked by ABC and the LOST producers.  This week was bountiful with great news and views.

old shipsWith so much to choose from, I picked my favorite to tease the Sunday Independent readers with.  Remember, all spoilers at Stationzer0 are either in the LOST Spoilers forum or marked with a special spoiler font.

The LOST production staff is on the lookout for a pair of old-school sailing vessels to rent for production.  Perhaps Season 5 will visit the secrets of the Black Rock.  The second ship might prove to be just as interesting....
New and Cool
CharKateTwo occurrences come immediately to mind when it comes to new and cool.  Our good buddy hlyons has changed her username (and avatar) to CharKate.  Second, using her new CharKate personality, she started a thread called Back to school in the Off-Topic area.  This thread is comedy gold if you're going back to school, your kids are going, or if you've ever been kicked out of school.
Editors Notes
I watched an incredibly bad movie a few days ago—JAWS III.  I knew it was going to be horrible when I saw the title screen appear.  Lately, I've found an odd craving for watching disgustingly crappy movies—for no reason other than to make myself feel better about who I am and where my life has taken me.  As bad, as tough, as downright gritty as my little world gets, at least I can say, "Hey, at least I had nothing to do with JAWS III."  I know it's a small thing, but it's something.
Will
I said the Bacon Donut would be coming back with a vengeance, didn't I?  Well, we're just getting started.  Thanks to another one of those awesome brainstorming chat sessions, the Couch Potato Critics group was formed to review shows this fall.  There's plenty of room on the sofa if you still want to join at Stationzer0's sister site.  You even get a nifty signature picture made by bladerunna himself.
It also looks like the Battle for the Island website is still kicking, waiting for its next game. There's a game being played there right now, Guess Who Said. There have also been awards posted, and there are still a couple of players who haven't revealed who they were! Get over there and do that!
jimpbblmk





Posted by jimpbblmk on 24 Aug 2008 at 00:00 | Newsletter


The Stationzer0 Independent - August 17, 2008

masthead
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Latest on LostWith filming for the 5th season of LOST beginning now, the spoilers have begun to explode from the islands of Hawaii.  Check out Blade and Jim's Spoiler Thread: SEASON FIVE for a few of the most exclusive and important spoilers to rise to the surface yet—including the confirmed title of the Season 5 premiere episode.

Jorge GarciaAdditionally, the Lost on the Web forum features a funny and comprehensive look at one of our favorite actors, Jorge Garcia.  Mr. Garcia took a European vacation during the off-season and has put together a great blog with dozens of pictures.  One of the pictures even features a possible (unlikely) Dharma connection that Jorge comments on.
Games
The LOST Alternate Reality Game OCTAGON GLOBAL RECRUITING is inching along, doling out small clues and steps at a painfully slow pace.  This week's highlights include the DharmaWantsYou menu changing a few times (with apparently little significance) and a yet another mass email from Hans Van Eeghen.  The date August 19th has been posted on the main menu, leading to when activity might soon resume.  Check out all the thread under Octagon Global Recruiting to catch up on the action!

Frank MouseBattle for the Island (BFTI) is going strong and action-packed, and it continues to thrill its players and spectators.  Contents, item prizes and of course gruesome mob-style slaughter is but a small part of the intricacies of the role-playing game.  Anything can happen on BFTI Island, including a well-known helicopter pilot named Frank getting turned into a mouse.
Station Inhabitants
Because of the massive emphasis currently on BFTI, the posts at Stationzer0 have dramatically slowed down.  Although it seems as though we are experiencing about the same amount of traffic on the site, our users' fingers are apparently worn raw keeping their BFTI characters alive and happy.  On the other hand, there have been some awesome conversations going on in our chat room.  Because our membership is worldwide, large, spontaneous groups often gather suddenly and enjoy talk on both LOST and non-LOST related topics.
Lost Theory of the Week
This week's theory is in regard to the Octagon Global Recruiting ARG.  While the actual activity from Dharma has been somewhat limited, the users of Stationzer0 are trying their hardest to crack the game.  Spoon03331 posted this in regard to the complex character sets that appeared within the Dharmawantsyou.com menu several days ago:  [[That these ARE
spoon03331anagrams.... The first set of letters I posted this morning- "nnieoshiatemdi" anagrams to "I am on the inside" which was said to be found in the source code.... Some of these can't be anagrams cuz there's not enough vowels for some of them to make sensible words.]]  See the Dharmawantsyou.com thread to view all of the character strings in their entirety.
New and Cool
Last week we published a link to a great on-camera interview with Matthew Fox at Comic-Con.  This week's interview is not on tape but is nearly as great!  Find the transcripts for an interview with Francois Chau, a.k.a. Dr. Pierre Chang, a.k.a. Dr. Marvin Candle, a.k.a. Dr. Mark Wickmund, a.k.a. Dr. Edgar Haliwax, in Blade and Jim's Spoiler Thread: SEASON FIVE.  The popular topic of the fake arm is approached and dealt with in a very "LOST" manner.
Editors Notes
August is almost halfway through.  Soon, the leaves will be changing, and more and more of LOST's fifth season will be in the can and ready for our enjoyment in early 2009.  While I can't wait for the new episodes, I've been enjoying the old ones via the Stationzer0 Lost Rewind.  ABC.com provides every past episode in streaming HD—a very high quality PC picture and great sound!  If I can somehow get through EVERY episode by the time season 5 begins, I'm hoping I can actually post a theory or two that makes sense.
Will
Battle for the Island may be nearing its end soon, but obsession is still running high with some S0ers--other people, too, not just me.  Ideas have been flying back and forth in chat about various BFTI gimmicks and who will be on the moderating team for the next time around.  I'll put a poll up later this week asking for the forum's opinion on the length of the hiatus between BFTI games.  All I know is that the six-month wait between this game and the last was far too long.
I'm also required by law to pimp the Stationzer0 sister site Bacon Donut.  As with everything else, BFTI has clearly taken its toll on that site's post count, but we'll be coming back strong this week as well.
jimpbblmk





Posted by jimpbblmk on 17 Aug 2008 at 00:00 | Newsletter


The Stationzer0 Independent - August 10, 2008

masthead
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Latest on LostWith Season 5 filming beginning in Hawaii this month, the spoilers are starting to flow.  Blade and Jim's Spoiler Thread: SEASON FIVE has already landed several significant postings in regard to the perils and pitfalls of our favorite castaways.  With few exceptions, all spoilers are marked with Stationzer0's special spoiler font.  There is even a questionable rumor about a primary cast member appearing topless for several episodes.
Games
Summer is "gaming season" at Stationzer0.

Two awesome games are going on at the moment.  The ABC LOST Alternate Reality Game appeared to be a firestorm just a week ago... and then a noticeable lull, but the action has resumed.  Things are changing on the DharmaWantsYou site, emails are being issued and the team at Stationzer0 is tackling what appears to be a very difficult set of problems.  Check out the Octagon Global Recruiting threads to catch up on the action!

REMINDER:  Three $100 customizable LOST/Stationzer0 prize packages will be awarded to the registered Stationzer0 members that make the most significant contributions to solving the mysteries of this Alternate Reality Game.

Battle for the Island (BFTI) is, on the other hand, a slugfest of fast action, fast talking, slaughter, laughs and strategy.  Many of the BFTI characters Stationzer0 members conducting themselves through the game in secret identities.  Although it's too late to play, it's not too late to watch and follow the mysteries that occur on the craziest place on the planet, BFTI Island.  Stationzer0 has a four moderators conducting the game... true identities unknown... that deserve some recognition and applause.

Island AvengerThis is the "Island Avenger."  He's tough but fair and offers up great rewards for "acceptable" performance.  The BFTI rumor is that he lost his eye in a pool table accident.  He keeps us all "behind the 8 ball."

Island PrinceThis is the "Island Prince."  He's so cool, he's shiny!  The BFTI survivors respect him... and fear him.  It would be so awesome to make the rules of life up as it goes along—he does—and he does a terrific job of it!  It is likely he knows the queen.

Island QueenThis is the "Island Queen."  Her outfit has been "painted on" by the likes of Van Gogh, Monet and Will-caso.  Her powers are great, her reach is unlimited and her Facebook inbox is always full.  If her feet need special attention, we are all available to rub them.

The Mad NarratorAnd this is "The Mad Narrator."  The greenest of all the mods, he keeps the story in line day by day.  Watch out for his specialty ultra-rare item: The Mad's Box.  You never know just what chaos it may bring.  It even killed Walt once, honest!

Station Inhabitants
Stationzer0 members have started several new threads this week.  While we always celebrate birthdays—Losty, Sun Ray, and frostysnowbro, all just this week!—members are always beginning new topic threads relevant to current events... both LOST- and non-LOST-related.

This week, check out some of these awesome new threads:
THE OLYMPIC GAMES...China, 2008 and Parenting at it's best!

New and Cool
The Matthew Fox video interview that occurred at the recent Comic-Con in San Diego is certainly very cool.  Fox speaks of the past, present and future of the show, as well as revealing some of the difficulties in playing the same character in various timelines.  Find the whole interview in the LOST in the News section.

Lost Theory of the Week
This week's theory was posted by AVREY97 several weeks ago.  In it, the striking similarities between each of the LOST AVREY97season finales are compared and contrasted.  Although this type of thinking seems to come natural to one of the site's best theorists, it's fascinating and flat-out insightful to those who lack the ability to glean that kind of information from the wild-ride that is our favorite TV show, LOST.  Check out Avrey's theory and observations in the Season 4 finale discussion thread.
Editor's Note
I continue to marvel at the tremendous knowledge, talent and spirit of the Stationzer0 members—especially those who happen to be quite a bit younger than myself.  I've posted on this topic recently.  When I was in high school and in college, I have no recollection of being anywhere near this intelligent, mature or analytical.  Day to day, I take great pleasure in taking part in discussions, reading their thoughts and watching them interact with their fellow members.  I know this is not always the case with other LOST websites.  I am privileged to "co-exist" here at Stationzer0 with such an awesome and fun membership... especially those who haven't started shaving yet.
Will






Posted by jimpbblmk on 10 Aug 2008 at 00:00 | Newsletter


The Stationzer0 Independent - August 3, 2008

Battle for the Island is going strong now!

As of Day 2, we've had a meager death count of four—Frogurt, Horace, Jin, and Ana Lucia all played the game of life and lost.  Of these, only Horace was an Other; the remaining three were Losties.  "But how can Horace be an Other?" you ask? Ah, that's the beauty of this Island—anyone can be an Other; the Losties have to find out who to trust.

Read along today at BattleForTheIsland.com!
masthead
Sunday, August 3, 2008
The Latest on LostThe much anticipated Comic-Con
in San Diego has come and gone.
While the event as a whole is
being considered a massive success, most LOST fans found disappointment in the open discussion that took place on Saturday.

Damon and Carlton made dramatic entrances, only to spend the entire
session dodging questions, giving vague answers, revealing very little,
and making each other laugh.  Still, it was a great way to spend a
Saturday in San Diego.  Check out the Comic Con July 2008 thread for
a thorough look at what went down on the West coast.  You'll find
multiple video links that feature nearly the entire LOST panel
discussion as well as lots of other cool stuff.
GamesThe body count has already started in Battle for the Island, a smart and sophisticated LOST role-playing game being executed by Stationzer0's elite group of Island moderators.  Although it's too late to register and play, it's never too late to pop in and see what's going on—who's killing who, so to speak.  Go to the Battle for the Island website to witness the best Lost fans in the world behaving at their worst.
Lost Theory of the WeekThis week's "Theory of the Week" is not so much a theory as it is a way-cool discovery.  The Octagon Global Recruiting game, launched at last weekend's Comic-Con, exploded within the Stationzer0 chat rooms during the week.  Two or three handfuls of our most awesome station members spent a few hours bouncing theories off each other... shooting hotlinks... sharing clues... until the discovery of the Black Swan and all that goes with it was made!  Check out ALL the Octagon Global Recruiting threads to catch up on exactly what happened!
Station InhabitantsAt Stationzer0 we are all very proud of the discovery and assorted clues associated with the appearance of the Black Swan.  While it was a group effort in every sense of the word, three Stationzer0 members stood apart and above this week and have everyone's gratitude.  We are so glad these avatars are on our team....

rl212007Rl212007 flushed "the prey" out of the brush... to his own surprise!  He's sharper than he thinks he is.

WickedSlipWickedSlip named the creature and stuck the knife in! I'm sooo glad I am not that creature. Check inside for a great recipe on the roasting of Black Swan using a Banks Claw marinade!

jimpbblmkJimpbblmk went "Paul Revere" and made sure the world knew about the Black Swan discovery at Stationzer0 immediately pon
the find. Sorry England, Jimp-ee belongs to the USA.
Editor's Note
I just passed my 1000th post.

With the exception of the sincere friendships I have made through Stationzer0, last week's ARG (Alternate Reality Game) chat room experience was the most amazing digital event I've ever witnessed... and was "kind of" a part of (I was comedy relief, at best).

I've been around a while.... I used to haunt BBS sites in the late '80s and early '90s.  Does anybody remember "Trade Wars?"

During the "Black Swan" OGR chat, I saw veterans, newbies, moderators, rookies (me) and PC-phenoms come together, have fun and bust the hell out of the Octagon Global Recruiting mystery(s?).

This is my first ARG.  I'm experiencing my first BFTI, as well.  How the hell did I ever make it through summer without these things?!?  Thanks to my fellow Stationzer0 members, I've been able to get over the hurdles, dry my nancy man-tears and get LOST within the coolness of the games.

When I arrived at S0 a few months ago, the vets began to reach out to me within two or three weeks... they "dialed me in," so to speak.  My experiences here have been great... even when they're not. :)

If YOU are reading this newsletter and are not currently a member of Stationzer0, I and dozens of other members would love to welcome you when you join... unless you're an a-hole.
Will






Posted by jimpbblmk on 03 Aug 2008 at 00:00 | Newsletter